Hygieneprotocol

Starting from 23rd September 2022, Bhutan will fully reopen for tourism without quarantine requirement. The pre-departure RT-PCR negative test certificate is also not required. However, all tourists are required to show up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinination record. You are also required to have travel insurance. You may be required to wear face mask at all public places.

Meals

All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner). Breakfast & Dinner will be usually served at your hotels. Most of the lunches will be served at local restaurants while some can be arranged as a picnic. We also arrange dinners at some traditional restaurants to offer a better choice.

Others

Bhutan Visa Fee is included. Visa will be arranged for you. Bottled mineral water in the car

Optional

You will have an opportunity to try our Bhutanese traditional archery and dart throwing. A set of national costumes (Gho for men and Kira for women) will be provided. The costumes should be returned to the guide at the end of the tour.

Accommodation

The price includes standard twin sharing accommodation at 3-star hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Our partner hotels are handpicked based on the recommendations and good experiences from our past guests. You will be informed of where you will stay at each destination before your arrival. During the course of trekking, we provide full-service outdoor camping in the pristine wilderness at designated campsites. Our trekking crew will transport the tents and camping equipment, pitch the tents, prepare and serve meals, washings will also be done by our trekking staff. You just have to bring a sleeping bag and a travel pillow. We will send you a suggested packing list after we receive your booking. You will also have an option (prior arrangement required) to stay at village homestay/farmhouse at few destinations to get insight into the local culture and feast on delicious local cuisine and take part in preparing some of the popular dishes of Bhutan.

Transport

All ground transportations including airport transfers. We provide: Luxury SUV for 1-2 person Luxury Minivan for a group of 3-8 person Luxury bus/coach for a group of 9 people and above Our fleet of transport vehicles are highly maintained and chauffeured by specially licensed professionals to drive tourists. Porter & Pony charges are also included for trekking adventures.

Guide

We believe tour guides play an important role in making your journey memorable and getting the most out of your trip. All our guides are experienced English-speaking licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and they will accompany you throughout your trip in Bhutan. They are always ready to serve you and take care of you every step of your journey so that you go back home satisfied and happy with good memories that will last a lifetime. And the driver’s responsibility is no less. No matter how luxury the transport is, your safety and comfort are in the hands of a driver. Therefore, we employ only experienced drivers specifically licensed to drive tourists. If for some reason you are not satisfied with either of our guide or driver, let us know immediately. We never had such issues in the past but we’ll always try to have them replaced as soon as possible. NOTE: We can arrange guides speaking other major languages (French, Japanese, German, Chinese, Korean & Thai) at an additional fee.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are NOT INCLUDED. We can help arrange your flights to/from Bhutan. The flight tends to get fully booked months ahead especially during the peak season. We highly recommend you to book flights a few months ahead of your departure date. There are only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan: 1. Drukair, the national flag carrier of Bhutan (www.drukair.com.bt) operates from/to these cities/International Airports: Bangkok, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Delhi, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. 2. Bhutan Airlines, a private airline introduced in 2011 (www.bhutanairlines.bt) operates from/to these cities/International Airport: Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu.

Insurance

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended.

Others

Emergency evacuation including helicopter services. Entry fees to sacred sites, museums and other national monuments Alcoholic beverages, bar bills. Laundry services, telephone call charges Premium accommodation in a 4-Star and above hotel. Cultural shows that require an advance arrangement. Tips to guides and drivers (optional). Any other expense of personal nature.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)

After receiving you at the Paro International Airport, our guide and driver will escort you on your first adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan established in 1968. It is housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.

We then drive to Thimpu, the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and home to some 115,000 residents and main center of commerce, religion and government.

Distance 55km | Driving time 1.5-hours | Thimphu altitude 2334m | Paro altitude 2200m

On arrival in Thimphu, visit the Weaving Center to learn about the weaving culture and tradition of Bhutan. Weavign is an integral component of Bhutanese culture. Not so long ago, it was common to see one member of the family weaving for entire family. We then drive to visit the magnificent 169ft tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built in 2015 to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also to usher world peace.

If time permits, you can visit Changlimithang Archery Range to witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers singing and dancing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort, Damisa or Hotel Amodhara.
Day 2 Day 2: Hike To Tango Monastery & Sightseeing In Thimphu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Hike To Tango Monastery & Sightseeing In Thimphu

After breakfast, drive about 14km towards the north of Thimphu city and hike to one of the important religious center in the Kingdom, the 13th-century Tango Monastery. There is also a monastery called Cheri located on a mountainside in the neighborhood. Hiking to Tango is much easier as most part of the footpath is paved and the uphill ascent is not as steep. Following the trail through the forests, the walk uphill takes about 1.5 hours at a slow pace. Tango Monastery was founded in 1222 by the Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who first established the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan and subsequently became the state religion. The present form of the monastery was built later in 1689 by the Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal ruler of Bhutan.

After the hike, drive back to the town where traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. After lunch, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Zorig Chusum means 13 Traditional Arts & Crafts) was established to promote and preserve the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan and to facilitate increased access in learning Zorig skills by Bhutanese youths. Many of these traditional arts and crafts are declining with modernization. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (wood turning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique) and Thag Zo (weaving). These thirteen arts and crafts are an essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage that have been practiced from time immemorial.

Just nearby is the National Library & Archives of Bhutan considered as national treasure of and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture.

From there we drive to visit the craft bazaar along the main streets of Thimphu and if time permits, visit the Postal Museum to get insights into Bhutan’s postal history and even get stamps printed with your own photo. This is a must-visit especially if you are interested in stamp collection and philatelic products.

Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort, Damisa or Hotel Amodhara.
Day 3 Day 3: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)

After an early breakfast, transfer to Punakha valley via the sacred mountain pass Dochula.

About 45 min drive from Thimphu towards Punakha is a mountain pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level from where you can see, on a clear day, some of the highest peaks of Bhutan. From Dochu La Pass, we continue driving towards Punakha, passing through some villages the elevation drops gradually and the road winds through the pine trees. As you reach the lower subtropical valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to subtropical valley at 1,200m.

Just about 11km before reaching proper Punakha town, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha. To reach the temple, you have to walk 20 – 30 minutes through beautiful terraced paddy fields and traditional farm houses. Lunch will be served at a nearby restaurant.

After lunch, we drive to Punakha and visit the historic Punakha Dzong originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Bliss”. It was built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and founded nation-state of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate wood works and the architectural structure of the dzong displays fine example of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture to this day. From there walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge that runs over the Phochu (male river), one of the two glacial-fed rivers which forms confluence near the Punakha Dzong.

If time permits, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhundrup Buddhist College for Nuns located on a peaceful hilltop overlooking partial Punakha valley. You can meet and mingle with peace-loving nuns. You may also spend a quiet spiritual moment inside the temple.

Distance from Thimphu - Punakha 74km | Driving time 3-hours | Punakha altitude 1200m

Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Namgay Zam Homestay to experience the typical life of a Bhutanese family living in rural Bhutan.
Day 4 Day 4: Sightseeing In Punakha Valley / Transfer Back To Paro Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Sightseeing In Punakha Valley / Transfer Back To Paro Valley

After an early breakfast, you will go for a 2.5-hour round trip hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples, monasteries and temples. It takes only about 20 minutes to drive from the main town of Punakha to the nearest road point. From there you cross a suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River (female river) and the trail takes you through terraced rice fields and a short climb before reaching the sacred site. Normally the round trip hike takes about 2.5 hours. The view below is stunning with glacial fed Mochu river snaking through the fertile valley of Punakha. After the hike, return to the roadhead and drive to Dochula Pass for lunch.

On arrival in Dochula Pass, enjoy lunch at the Dochula Cafe. After lunch ff you are interested, you can do a short easy hike to Tashigang Gonpa from Dochula Pass. This wonderful hiking takes you downhill through pristine forests of Juniper, Hemlock, blue pine among many others. It offers a great opportunity to photograph nature and landscapes. You’ll also come across different species of birds along the trail. The hike downhill takes about an hour to reach the Gonpa.

Tashigang Gonpa is a monastery located on top of a mountain below Dochula Pass. It was built in 1768 by the 12th Abbot of Bhutan, Je Kunga Jamtsho. The monastery houses priceless relics and several statues of past Abbots of Bhutan. Today, the monastery serves as a monastic school for dozens of monks. You’ll have an opportunity to visit the monastery and get blessings. The driver will be waiting here at the monastery. From here, continue driving to Paro which will take about 2 hours.

Distance from Punakha - Paro 115km, Driving time 3.5-4 hours, Paro altitude 2,200m

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 5 Day 5: Hike To The Famous Tiger’S Nest (Paro Taktsang)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Hike To The Famous Tiger’S Nest (Paro Taktsang)

After early breakfast, you will hike to the famous Paro Taktsang popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. Taktsang monastery is located on the face of a sheer rock cliff some 800 meters above the valley floor. The round-trip hiking normally takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. You can hike at your own pace but we recommend you start early before the sun gets stronger.

Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria) for a fee of about USD20 per horse person. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down and most owners will not allow it.

The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. It is not only considered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan but also “a must-visit” place for tourists. After the hike, descend back to the base and drive to Paro and spend some leisure time exploring the town.

Later in evening, visit one of the beautiful farmhouses for an authentic home-cooked local cuisine. You can participate in preparing some of the popular local dishes. If interested in a relaxing home spa, you can soak in a traditional hot stone bath believed believed to have a therapeutic, revitalizing benefits for an additional fee of about $15 per person, as charged by the owner.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 6 Day 6: Departure From Paro International Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Departure From Paro International Airport

After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

6 days tour

Best Of Bhutan Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Best Of Bhutan Tour

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)

Day 2: Hike To Tango Monastery & Sightseeing In Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)

Day 4: Sightseeing In Punakha Valley / Transfer Back To Paro Valley

Day 5: Hike To The Famous Tiger’S Nest (Paro Taktsang)

Day 6: Departure From Paro International Airport

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania